Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value The text below is from the original registration report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Historical Significance: This is probably the oldest surviving city building, its earliest section dating from 1852. As the Canterbury settlement progressed the house was added to and William Crisp was the architect responsible for giving it its present character. He deigned the distinctive hooded porch (in a form we associate with the work of his partner Robert Speechly) and built the 2 storied extension in 1869. As the house of a succession of notable 19th century Christchurch doctors the house has significance and its original condition makes it an important example of early domestic design. On its Oxford Terrace site it presents an interesting contrast with more recent buildings nearby and can clearly be seen from extensive viewpoints across the river. It has significance because of its age and character but also as the only domestic design by William Crisp.